First week of my summer break in Brunei.

Departed Eastbourne around 3am, and Shahin drove me straight to Heathrow. Had awful coffee breakfast at Heathrow, but that simply made my eye wide opened as I didnt get to sleep for more than 24 hours as a preparation for the time change.

Arrived safely in the morning of Saturday. Landed safely without any problems throughout the flight. The flight wasn't really bad and it was light that I had both seats to myself. It felt so quick, maybe because I was overly excited to go home. I didn't get to watch the movies as I slept throughout the flight except on meal times. The crew were friendly too.




On arrival, saw my little Joshua outside the arrival hall. He gave me a HUGE hug and a big kiss. That alone has already made my Brunei trip this time a pleasant one. He couldn't stop saying "I miss you usu, I love you usu". Bless!!!

Just look at him now, how he has grown up so quickly!




So today is my first week in Brunei. I've arranged my placement for this July and I'm still waiting for the call from the Medical Education Centre at the hospital. Had a good chat with my ex-nursing friends and staffs at the hospital yesterday.

Brunei hasn't changed much except for few road widening, and new layout especially in the capital. The heat is bearable so far and loving it to the bits!! Been reunited with the foods and of course my lil car!!! hhehehe

Just look at the beach scenery here. Something I really missed whilst I was away.







My lil baby!!! Hehhehe




And my reunion with char kway teow




p/s: thanks to the newly introduced wireless internet connection. Thinking that I won't be staying long here, buying the modem and subscribing the internet wouldn't be worthwhile. So I thought I might just upgrade my phone simcard to a 3G, and connect to the laptop for internet connection. Indeed, made the right decision. It's very fast (broadband connection), cheap and reliable. heheh

First and the last?

I was packing my stuffs, and at the same time clearing my room. Went downstairs, chucked the rubbish out to the main bin. *BOOM* slams the door. I swore at that moment as I didn't have the keys with me. I normally have the keys with me regardless if it is just going down for a cuppa. Top it off, I didn't have my phone with me. Hence, I couldn't recall anyone's phone number including the landlord.

Tried knocking, door bell, banging the door, etc. You name it, all done but failed. As I live in town, all passerby looked at me with suspicion. I even tried slipping in a card to unlock the door. But there was still hope, as I saw the first floor's window is up. Worse comes to worst, that could have been a resort. So I waited patiently, not moving anywhere hoping any housemates to return. My mind started thinking about the negativities. What if AD has gone off to London? What if the two girls had gone to Germany??? What do I do? I'm flying off tomorrow!!!! On the brighter note, I had my wallet with me. Suddenly, the rain came down pouring. That's when I started to move, and it was freezing cold. Moving away gave me the idea that I should go to one of my friends' house. Elizabeth or Therese? Well thinking that Elizabeth lives near the hospital and she's normally at home. Another problem? Which one is her house?

Finally got to her house hoping someone was in. Luck was on my side, she was in. Happily she opened the door for me offering me a cuppa thinking I was there to visit. I explained to her, and she immediately called Therese to ask for AD's (my hope / housemate). Therese didn't have AD's number, then Elizabeth decided to call the university's registry for phone number. Due to the privacy protection, she couldn't give us the number but she could call. Whilst waiting, I thought I might give the Leaf hospital a visit to see if AD was in. Elizabeth was also kind enough to offer me coat, but I said it's fine. As I walked up the hill, I saw the glimpse of Wendy's car. THERE's HOPE!!!

Checked every corridor of the department, no one. Last, the treatment areas. I met Wendy, she was so happy to see me. Suddenly this bitch (year 3) in authoritative manner saying "should be in clinical dress in clinic!" WTF!!! "Is AD here?" was my first question. "Yes" she replied. GOSH I WAS OVERJOYED!!!!!! Got the keys, and went back to Elizabeth's house to tell her. And now I'm here blogging this fresh, and I am still wet!!!!!

Something to ponder:
As I walked across town, I passed few homeless people and made me think, Gosh, how could they manage as I couldn't even manage without a phone and house key for few hours. Where as they got none!!!

I think it's a good "cobaan". Hehhe Alhamdulillah, everything is fine, and Insya Allah, all will be running smoothly albeit it's Friday 13th tomorrow!!!

And by the way, waiting outside the house for a long time wasn't the first time. It happened on the first day I arrived here when the landlord gave me the wrong key! And now, it happened again on my last day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One step, two step, HOME!!

This is probably my last homecooked lunch this academic year before I announce my kitchen officially close. I was in a rush in town today, but not knowing why. Maybe because I was already so used to the hectic lifestyle in time constraints. Whilst I was browsing the aisles of M&S, I realised, why should I rush when there is nothing to rush about. Only then I started to calm down.

So here's my lunch of baked lightly dusted white fish fillets, with chips and gravy, with sausages. I need to clear off the foods in my fridge and cabinets.

Sunny day Brighton.

Couldn't find few stuffs here in Eastbourne, so I thought of making a trip to Brighton to get them and I was pretty sure that I could rely on Brighton. Contemplating between London and Brighton, but since I am much more familiar with Brighton, so what the heck. Plus I still have one bus pass that Shahin gave me last two weeks as he had 2 left that he used to go to work. He didn't need it anymore, so he gave it to me. So I had used them wisely then! lol

It was nice and sunny, and even sunnier in Brighton. The bus was full and they even do special service "via Beachy Head" which is a norm on Sundays only. Got off Brighton, got my first coffee shot from Starbucks whilst deciding where I should go. I was walking aimlessly in the crowd of moving people and having the lists running through my head. Suddenly I remembered the whole purpose me being there, looking for my sis's Chanel stuff which I couldn't find in Eastbourne. Then, to Woolworths, Robert Dyas, Zara (twice), Aldo, TOPMAN, oh well... every corner I would say. Brighton is just huge come to think of it. Everywhere I walked, I discovered new interesting looking alley, which I decided to skip.

At 1.30, I thought I had everything I needed. Looking for this Chinese grocer, and it's no longer there. Wasted my energy up that hill!! argh! Then popped into M&S and got myself lunch. Left M&S and there, the bus to Eastbourne waiting. Then I decided to eat my lunch on the bus then, plus it was quite empty. But traffic was horrible. Worst than it was coming in.




So here's me with my "posh" lunch, overlooking magnificent views of the Sussex Downs and nice warm sunny weather... Bless!

Sandwich for main, and the Honduras King Prawns with Dip as starter.




For the "Champagne", it's Peach and Grape of 2008! =)




The scenery

My baby's heart is arrested!

Well, who is Sani without his camera? Remember that time on last winter when the lens of my old Nikon went kaput? When I frantically impulsively bought this new camera that instant! Perhaps, everyone knows Sani with his camera wherever he goes.




Today, I was busy drenching my bank account on shopping. I bought myself new pairs of sandals, spring jacket (which I need for next year or when I come back during the fall season) to replace my lost GAP jacket, but still doesn't feel the same, some work clothes, and few other stuffs as well. Plus, my warm wears are all faded and worn out. Even the Zara is now has got holes, and the rubber bands are all loose which I still wear them.

My Jacket




And can't help myself but to get this cute little thing. Now you can get in kids size in what ever the adults wear! So, I am sure someone will be looking cute this summer!! If the uncle's cool, the lil nephew has to look extremely cool as well!!




I thought, why not take some pictures of what I have bought today. That's when the "memory card error" kept on flashing. I've tried re-formating from the camera and the laptop, it didn't work fully. Shots were still possible, but images were unidentified. Tried scanning it, and found virus detected in it. Cleaned and quarantined the virus, it didn't help at all. Instead, the memory card is now arrested!!!! Immediately I looked out for new memory card, but will it worth it? Remembering I still have the old memory card (256MB), but obviously, won't be able to take much photos as I previously could. Perhaps, some patience will be alright where I can buy it back home, and hopefully at a cheaper price.

So there goes, my baby's heart is arrested!!!!!!!! Goodbye.... Now I can only take 300+ pictures on "alright-ish" resolution.

So how do you like my brand new sandals?? Pretty suave eh!?!?

End of Year 2 mini gathering.

We meant to have a get together event on the weekend of our last term. However due to many unforeseen circumstances, we had to change the plan. Cos initially, we wanted to go karting. But obviously that is impossible with Shahin's whiplash injury. Instead, we opted for a low key get together. The usual me, Emily, Shahin, Therese and this time Hannah joined us. We had dinner at Cosmo and then watch the picture before everyone said goodbye. =)

At Cosmo




Everyone being silly in the car!!

End of Year 2.

Alhamdulillah and I am glad that year 2 is over now. Reflecting the journey, it was certainly not a path to return back to due to the challenges that everyone in my group including myself had to overcome. The term ended with my poster presentation on Diabetes. In important times like the presentation, time is certainly priceless. 10 minutes went by in a blink of an eye, but I managed to present it well, controlling my nerves, and that deserved a pat on my shoulder. Everyone did well. Everyone should be thankful to Megan for standing up to gather us altogether and discuss how we should "Act" during the presentation where we would prepare questions and as if it was a "pop" question during the presentation. Hence, we all came prepared and it was excellent! Everything was well organised, and the environment was certainly very conducive. Having said that, we certainly couldn't avoid the questions from the lecturer.

I prepared my question on how Diabetes may affect joints? Well, I had this idea whilst I was treating a patient in the consultant room (another proud moment I had) where Diabetes was discussed. It was Mr McInnes who introduced me to "the positive prayer sign", to see any joint stiffness in the joints resulted from process of glycation / glycosylation. The same principle to HbA1C which is the glycosylation of haemoglobin. In joints, it affects the joints cartilage. The second factor is where neuropathy occurs in the foot of diabetics, it disrupts the pain perception, hence, predispose the bone to weakness causing it vulnerable to breaking. Once broken in neuropathic condition, one would just continue weight bearing, progressing deformities and alteration of anatomical position such as declination of talus. This results in the rocking shape of the foot, predisposing / exacerbating ulcerations = neuropathic ulcers. Poor nourishment to the musculoskeletal structures may also predispose this breaking vulnerability. Such would be due to AV Shunting, causing haemostasis and hyperaemia which reduces oxygen level, and inreases the CO2 level = poor nourishment to tissues.

Whaha, well the above is kind of a synopsis on how I answered the lecturer's question!! Hence, me being happy.

After the presentation, we had a BBQ gathering arranged by Angie and Martin. I was knocked out to sleep after the presentation, and unable to make it. Many dropped me calls and texts where I was. Feeling guilty, I thought I would have to make it regardless if it means coming late. Angie called as I replied the text and I swooshed my way to Martin's crib on a taxi that instant. Weather was brilliant, and most made their way home already. There were few left and we had a good chat, reflecting our journey from Year 1 to 2. It was good indeed, and certainly deserves a "facebook moment". Well it used to be known as "KODAK moment" ahaha

So now I can look forward to go home!!!!

Finally the Poster is Done!!!

Yeap, it's done!! Did it in 3 days, and didn't think I could manage it at first! Next, is to prepare the script and rehearse. Hehhe

Chippy shops in price war.

Kebab and chips are part of the British diet, hence the ubiquitous chippy shops. Eastbourne is no exception to this mushrooming of new chippy shops. As a result prices competition to attract more customers and mostly students like myself. Chips and kebab are common foods especially late night after clubbing or after tons of pints in the belly.

I was craving for this kebab, and contemplating between chinese takeaway. Staying around takeway shops simply made decision making a difficult one. I initially wanted to cook, but my housemates have cleaned the house as in major transformation for the landlord to check, I thought I better not dirty the kitchen with grease etc. So, kebab it is. Here's the kebab!!

Exam Forthnight.

It's the final week of the semester. Had my written exam that I had been worrying about. It went well I must say. All the hard work simply paid off I reckon. Perhaps right now, I'd like to think that way. Only result time will tell. Battling against limited time was the toughest thing to do. Thank God, I managed to scribble and quicken up towards the last question. I probably had good time management as I kept on looking at the time. I was already 10mins over with the first question, so I knew I had to attempt other questions quicker. I couldn't afford to jeopardise other questions that carry 20-30 marks each!

The questions were pretty much expected but not entirely. In terms of my preparation, yes I could attempt the questions. Again the problem was, directing the specific questions. The questions were mostly on assessments and the pathology itself rather than management. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and lesser toe deformities definitely came out. Was I comfortable? Well not entirely. I probably had the knowledge but, have I answered the question correctly? That's a big big question!!

Clinical exam is another hurdled I've had so far, and a poster presentation yet to be done. The clinical exam wasn't difficult as I had thought. Perhaps it all falls into what kind of patients and sort of problems you get. My patient was thankfully a very cooperative 82 year old man. On top of that, I was meant to be examined by an examiner who scares anyone in my group or any cohort for that matter. However, my prayers were granted on the right time! Instead, I had the examiner who I had wished for. How? Well, the reason was the rest of the group that I was with didn't turn up. One had an accident and 2 called sick. What a miracle? I'm not sure to call that a coincident? So rather than wasting resources, the examiner thought of me joining the rest of the group which made 6 of us altogether, and having different patients.

One of my colleagues had a difficult patient. Not only she was hard to manage, she also had to be referred to A&E that instant! ahhaa As for myself, I wouldn't call my patient an easy one. I had difficult time in my own way as well. The patients were meant to "act" to some point and they were instructed prior to the exam such as taking their medication list. I thought I was being lucky for being a nurse at the same time as I have prior knowledge in hand. This patient, did not have any clue to what specific condition he had as well as vaguely remembered the medications that he was taking. So I had to give him some prompts like, could you explain to me what was the problem to your lung? And i asked if it was asthma, COPD, etc until he agreed with joy when I mentioned the word "emphysema". It went on like that to other problems as well. I guess that really challenged my ability in thorough history taking. If only the examiners were there to witness. I carried on with other assessments and testings, it went well. I thought that was my very best clinical experience ever. I felt so clever!! ahahah Never I had done a thorough history and clinical assessment to a patient like that before. It was even evident in the notes as I ran out of space to write.

Oh, funny thing was, his phone kept on ringing form his wife until one point he said "could you stop calling me, I'm at the hospital and I'm with the doctor sitting infront of me now!" Hahhahah I thought... Dr? ahha I did enjoy myself throughout the session I must say. Convincing words of assurance from the examiners and other lecturers boost my self-esteem further. Excellent, great and "it went well" were all fed into my ears.

Now, I'm preparing for my poster presentation which I had underestimated the challenge. I thought it was an easy task. Diabetes, how could I have underestimated it!!! Silly Sani, if it was easy, it won't be as an option at Postgraduate level! But yes, thankfully it's a very interesting subject. By doing this also, it stimulates my learning towards the subject even more and this is one of the most significant condition in clinic. Brunei medical scene is no exception to see diabetics, infact, the biggest slice of the pie! The more I read around, the more information overload I tend to get. Like the saying of my colleague, Dr Liz - "we are in a condition of intellectual bulimia". Intellectual bulimic indeed is a good way to describe it. Ingesting as much information as we could, but somehow lost untraced!

To feed my brains, I need glucose. That is something I picked up regarding the link between glucose and brain activity. Hence, my supply of sugar in addition to my stash (which I haven't touched much).

Here's such a comforting dessert I had today prior to working on my poster - marble cake with vanilla ice cream!




And here's my crowd of books, which are mostly pharmacology and pathology.

Sugar rush.

The time is ticking away. Exam time is getting closer. Nerves are just over powering. Went grocery shopping just to get some foods to sustain this life of mine as well as feed my cravings. But, at the same time, I have to start finishing what I have in the cabinets and fridge. It's 3 weeks before I go home to hometown!!!

So today, started revising properly. They were more like refreshing and visiting to areas where I was not really unsure about. It was easy to grasp now compared to when I first read things around. Like today, I actually got better and clearer understanding on the 3 principles of lesser toe pathologies - Flexor stabilitsation, Extensor Substitution and Extensor stabilisation after reading the 12 pages article!!!! My reading materials I must say are boring. But once you actually got into it, it's actually fun and you'll have this thirst of wanting to know more. And I even said this, I HATE BIOMECHANICS, but I think it is something that I should overcome. Maybe I should specialise in Biomechanics!!?!??!?! Yes I said it, maybe will do that for Postgrad!?! haha More money?? Well I think Biomechanics is the biggest area of Podiatry, especially in America. That's what Podiatry is mostly about, and the most money generating area. Imagine, making a pair of insoles and consulting someone who has walking/foot problems, that is £1000 in the making already for a single patient!!!!!!

Ok, enough of that. All these brains challenging set of activities, I could see that my crave for sugar is by far more than any days. I'm not a sugary person, nor I fond of chocolates. But I think it's just the psychological thing that makes me crave for sweet stuffs. I was at Sainsbury's doing my shopping, and I simply wanted everyhting!!

I bought a box of pre-cooked tiger prawns, something which I heart. On top of that, I bought myself different chocolate biccies, chcolate rolls, and today I thought of giving this Nestle Breakaway a try. I think it's a new product on the shelf. Like I said, I am not a chocolate fan, and I'm quite a fussy one when it comes to chocolate. Let alone trying new chocolate stuffs. But I bought it anyways. Eating one as I type this entry... hehehe.

In the end, I've finished that prawns which I had it with ketchup and mayonnaise. It was so succulent and crunchy.

Here's my stash of sugar supply - oh and the breakaway biccies has to be my favourite now. But won't be long before I say goodbye, cos by then the craving would have been gone. It's too sweet for my liking.

Exam stress?

Yesterday was last day of clinic. Didn't feel anything unusual, just that it was more quiet and relax. Had 2 patients to see, all cases were light cases. They were the first years' patients. Since they won't be able be seen by the first years anytime soon, they were recalled to come earlier to our clinic instead. Since it was just simple chiropodial work, I thought of giving the patient some extra work than any other usual days. Both patients were so happy and delighted with the work done.

The first patient, who stayed in Malaysia for 7 years was happy to talk to someone from that area after several years now. So we chatted about food and she said she missed Kway Tiaw. She also missed "porridge" which then I taught her how to do it.

The second patient was so pleased with the treatment rendered as she was in agonising pain when she came into clinic. I tried to look for the problem and diagnosed it immediately. Here I realised how much knowledge and skills I have gained compared to the past years. It's just amazing to see how much you have changed intellectually and psycho-motor wise, well for the better of course. I was there with the patient one to one with no interruption from anyone else including tutors. The best thing was, when I asked a tutor for some advice and when she took over, the patient simply couldn't bear the pain. Tutor then said.. "you go for it Sani, I can't". Not to say that I am good or anything to brag about, it's just something I see as personal achievement in myself.

On the exam note, I kept on saying I AM NOT PREPARED. Maybe those are just my anxious statement, and not wanting to feel complacent on anything. I just don't want to miss anything. My philosophy is not just to get the work done, but make sure it is perfectly done into details and with satisfaction. Although I feel that I am still not prepared, it was apparent that I could already sit for the exam now! Haha. AD was questioning me from the Q&A book which I have not read before, and I managed to answer all the questions in first instance!!! Even the vague ones, I NAILED IT ON THE HEAD, as referred by AD.

As I was carrying on my revision last night, Shahin invited me to join his group night out. It's the first year's last day, hence their get together. Was a bit reluctant, but since it's going to be a long weekend, I thought, maybe I should de-stress myself a little bit. Met few of the first years that I know, and some whom are going to be future housemates. We talked about work and 2nd year experience. Well, I don't know whether they could retain the information or not, cos they had gone tipsy as I had to repeat the same answer again and again and again....

Overall, it was fun night. Made a few new friends and that is what it was all about anyways. Plus, I hadn't been out for quite a while now, if dinner night out doesn't count. hehe

Oh, been craving for Hainanese chicken rice for months, and now have made it!! See below!!




Wish me luck people!!!

Ta!!

Beef Ginger Spring Onion.

Ingredients:

• Sliced Beef
• Few Stalks of Spring Onions
• Sliced Ginger
• Onion wedges
• Light Soya Sauce
• Oyster Sauce
• Cooking oil
• Dash of sesame oil

Method:

Stir fry some onions, add beef and let outer layer cooked.
Add soya sauce, oyster sauce and ginger until it's well done.
Add in spring onion and let all well mixed and cooked.
Before serving, add dash of sesame oil and mix a while.
Done!

Butterflies in my tummy.

Yes, I can start feeling it already. The anxiety and the adrenaline rush are starting to play their respective roles. The exams are just within a blink of an eye. Everyday in class is all about exams. Exam this, exam format, exam revision, etc. Yesterday had my turn being the clinical examiner.

The whole idea of being a clinical examiner, and being examined is to have a feel what it is like in such situation. Also to look out for rooms for improvements such as communication, what to look out for etc. Plus, it's in a very non-intimidating environment where you get to discuss where you need to improve by your own colleagues/friends.

Apart from that, I have not really intensively start my revision as I should. But no doubt, I have started reading around and have some basic understanding on areas potentially asked in the exams. As the nerves kick in, my crave for sugar has been quite off the limit too. I've been friends to Ice Creams and Chocolates. I am not a fan of all these, but time like this, WHY NOT?! Hhaha

Let me introduce you to my friends.

1- Solero Exotic - will take a picture of it next time. It's low fat creamy vanilla ice cream covered in mango, peach and passion fruit sorbet. It's extremely good!!!

2. Maltesers!! woohoo. My childhood favourite. Blame Mrs Freeman the surgeon who brought it to class for her lecture where she put one bag on each table!!! Yites!!

Essays Done!

Yes yes!! hehe. All essays done. 2 weeks ahead the dateline. That is something. Now working on the poster presentation and hope to start revising for the exams.

Spent some short time at the library today to look for sources on Diabetes. It was empty!!! Eastbourne was so hot today that everyone was at the beach. At my street in town, one could literally stay safe lying down on the roads! Having said that however, all the chippy shops were full.

Here are some shots taken today.

The mock exam.

It went well, it's just not my best of luck to have a difficult patient. Fortunately it was acknowledged by the lecturer, that's fine. This patient had a very long list of medical history, long list of difficult medications. *sigh*. Luckily it was just a mock. Hope I won't get patient as difficult as that on the real exam.

Had only 4 hours of sleep before hand. One of the reason was the injection site was giving me a hard time. Nevertheless, it was the assignments and the anxiety to be blamed.

So, had caffeine fix in class today. I was wide and alert in a very dry Neuropathology lecture.

It's almost 2am and I'm still up.

Had my Pneumovax jab this afternoon. It wasn't really bad although it was a mega huge needle poked into my right arm. I wonder how am I gonna deal with it tomorrow in clinic. I will have my mock clinical exams tomorrow afternoon. Hope it's gonna be very helpful and productive.

Right now, I am currently polishing up my essays (overly anxious with the standards). However, as of now, I just wanna get away with it. With tomorrow, I must make sure that I have all the algorithm in place so I can visualise the sequence of history taking. Hope the mnemonics developed for us will come handy.

Basically the exam is set up in a real clinical setting with real patients (although they were told what and what not to do). As much as I'm scared with the pharmacology bits of this clinical exam, I am not that worried as the BNF's are available in each cubicle. What I'm worried about is to put the puzzle pieces into a clear picture - gathering differential diagnosis followed by a hopefully a definitive one. By which later correct intervention can follow.

Let see what mnemonics have I got so far??

Well, I need to make sure I address the right question, the right way and easy for the patient to understand. Eg. duration of pain may be a very deceiving. It could be duration of an episode of pain, or duration of the pain that the patient has been experiencing. Tricky? Well Sani, you better come prepared!!!!

Right, mnemonics?

With medical history, it's not easy to ask a patient by just asking "Do you have medical history?". To a layman, answers could simply be anything about history history (such as those war kinda thing), or involved in the making of medical history perhaps? But rather, I should be asking what's known as the system based question. This is according to the body systems, hence CRAGCELD. For instance, I would be asking "Mr X, have you ever had any problems with your heart before? Anyone in your family having heart problems that you know of?" Those kinds of questions. At least that will lead me to a narrower spectrum of answers, rather than beating around the bush of no where.

C- Cardiovascular (I am sure many patients will come with this condition, so hopefully I will obtain an exact answer, not just heart condition)
R- Respiratory - probably I am going to use "difficulty in breathing and asthma" for my question
A- Alimentary - stomach. Should I ask... "do you eat alot?" hahaha maybe not. Perhaps, any irritation would be right innit?
G- The genito-urinary. Urine infection? Difficulty to pass urine?
C- Central Nervous system - brains. ARE YOU MAD?? hahah. Well maybe like migraine, and things like that should be a good trailing question.
E- Endocrine - not too hard. Diabetes? Plus, the signs are normally spot-able
L- Locomotor - gait problems, MSK problems
D- Dermatology - eczema, rashes

Awful lot to ask in a nick of time!!!

Medication history - this is a nightmare. Imagine fiddling and flipping through the BNF with trembling cold hands, and with eyes over your shoulder!!! OOH LA LA!

All I am saying, I am back to the anxious mode!!!!!!!!

Oh, I didn't know that many of the past students actually took Beta Blockers (used in the treatment of high blood pressure to slow down the heart rate) before exams!! Hahhaha

Oh well, let's just get the battalion of knowledge be prepared in my cranium, so they can stick in the frontal an temporal lobes. Hehhe

Oh, an another set of mnemonics, it's the management one. COPPPPERSS

C- Chiropody : basically simple routine care.
O- Orthotics : whether the patient needs pair of orthotics to help with the problem.
P- Pharmacology : any medication that I should think of to prescribe eg. Pain relief, antibiotics?
P- Physical therapy : maybe the need of ultrasound, laser therapy.
P- Patient education, such as giving advice.
P- Paddings and strappings including dressings.
E- Exercises such as stretching of compartments.
R- Referral, thinking whether to refer to other medical colleagues, eg vascular surgeon, GP, radiology etc.
S- Shoes
S- Surgery

Arrrgh.......

It's time of the semester again!!

Insomniac strikes again! I was awakened by the rowdy sounds outside my flat, was I bothered? No. I needed the loo badly, was I bothered? No. So what made me running around like headless chicken then? Ooh.. it's 3 weeks before the end of the academic year. That means the datelines to my essays are just around the corner now






Nevertheless, took the time out today as I had to arrange an appointment with the nurse for my vaccinations. Whilst waiting, went to the pier as it's again a nice sunny day. Took few shots, and here there are for you to view. Isn't it great to appreciate the creation of the Almighty? And my way towards that is by taking pictures.

Ward Round & Paper Towels on Sunny Day Eastbourne

Talk about recycle ey??

Well, I forgot my notebook, but didn't want to miss any valuable infos from the ward round. Instead of wasting time going back to the locker and all, I went to the loo and grab loads of hand paper towels in my pockets. HAHA

So, I wrote my notes on the paper towels, and I kindly refused paper offerings from my mates. I was quite happy to write on the towels and it was nice. It makes my handwriting more "lawa" ... what you guys reckon? ahah

But my supervisor was so impressed that he suggested I make money out of it or maybe send it to the Tate's Gallery! aha.. Can u spot the brain / spinal cord? That's on Neurology for you.










On the brighter note, we had a bright sunny day today. Most of us gather in the lawn during lunch. It was great

Pancake and Golden Syrup

Decided to make pancakes today. But, I don't have self raising flour in my kitchen cupboard. It's bank holiday today, and being lazy as the town is, so I headed to the nearby Iceland. Again being an impulsive buyer, I ended up buying things not in my list. Here it is..

Workload - I need fuel too.

Well, I made Sunday roast no matter how busy I am at the moment. I need energy! ahaha At least with that HUGE chicken, I can keep it as sandwich fillers. Hence, save my time from preparing food again.

Here it is, roast chicken with honey and parsley, served with boiled carrots, potatoes, yorkshire pudding and vegetarian gravy. I thought I could stand being a "coconut" for once, and it proved me wrong. I couldn't stand without the rice. Had it with rice, wow... LICIN!!

Coursework ahead!

Well, albeit being busy with due coursework and all, I couldn't resist to get my camera and capture the glimpse of the beautiful day. Enjoy!!!

WARNING : 56k connection may go kaput!